USS Constitution to set sail on Sunday Aug 19th

In 1997, I was honored to be a member of the crew of USS CONSTITUTION when she set sail for the first time in 116 years in honor of her Bicentennial Celebration.  It was a wonderful time and she sailed brilliantly.  When it was done, all wondered when we would be able to sail her again.

Well that day has come and USS CONSTITUTION will sail again this Sunday to commenorate the 200th Anniversary of her victory over HMS Guerriere.

Make us proud old girl....I only wish I could be there.  Alas I am otherwise occupied presently in the sandbox.

USS Constitution to set sail on Sunday
Brockton Enterprise

BOSTON — The world's oldest commissioned warship will set sail on Sunday for the first time since 1997 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the  victory over HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.

The victory of the USS Constitution in this battle marked the first time a US ship defeated a Royal Navy frigate at or nearly equal size. It's also the battle in which the ship earned the nickname, "Old Ironsides."

The ship will be towed from its berth at the Charlestown Navy Yard at 10 a.m. Once Constitution is at President Roads, between Deer Island and Long Island, at 11:30 a.m., the crew will set up to four sails and make toward open water for about 10 minutes. 
 
After leaving President Roads, a 21-gun salute exchange with the Massachusetts Army National Guard’s 101st Field Artillery Regiment will then be fired toward Fort Independence on Castle Island at approximately 1 p.m.

The 101st Field Artillery Regiment is the oldest regiment in the Army. Sails will be furled at 2:30 p.m. and crew members will depart the ship at 3 p.m. Constitution will re-open for free public tours at 4 p.m.

The last time Constitution sailed under its own power was to honor the ship’s bicentennial.
 
At10 a.m. Saturday, just outside the Constitution's berth, the U.S Postal Service will unveil the USS Constitution Forever Stamp. The original painting used for the design of the stamp is on view at the USS Constitution Museum.

The museum will have tables set up all weekend for visitors to write letters to service members.